Active Release Technique
ART™ is a new & extremely effective hands-on treatment technique to address soft tissue problems such as muscles, ligaments, fascia and nerves. ART™ is so successful at treating specific injuries because it locates and treats scar tissue adhesions that accumulate in the muscles and surrounding soft tissues around the injured joint. By locating and treating the soft tissue adhesions with ART™, the practitioner is able to:
a) Break up restrictive adhesions;
b) Reinstate normal tissue flexibility and movement; and
c) Restore flexibility, balance and stability to the injured area, as well as the entire kinetic chain.
ART™ is similar to an active massage. The practitioner will first shorten the muscle, tendon or ligament being treated, then apply a very specific pressure with their hands as you actively lengthen and stretch the tissue. As the tissue lengthens the practitioner is able to assess the texture and tension of the muscle to determine if the tissue is healthy or contains scar tissue that requires further treatment. When scar tissue adhesions are felt the amount and direction of tension can be modified to treat the problematic area. Therefore, each treatment also provides an assessment of the state of health of the area, as we are able to specifically feel where the problem is occurring.
A further bonus of ART™ is it allows the practitioner to assess and correct problems not only at the site of pain, but also in other areas of the kinetic chain which are associated with movement compensations. These compensatory movement patterns that develop often contribute to, & exacerbate the initial injury. This ensures that all the soft tissues that have become dysfunctional and a contributing factor in the injury are addressed, even if they have not YET developed pain.
One of the most positive effects of ART™ is how quickly it produces the desired results. Injuries respond very quickly to ART™, especially when combined with appropriate treatment techniques such as IMS or acupuncture, joint mobilization, stretching & strengthening of the affected soft tissue. Each individual will respond differently to ART™, the severity and chronicity and general health of each person impacts their recovery. However a significant improvement is usually seen in 4 - 6 treatments. ART™ will help get you back into action faster!
Both Carole and Lisa are certified ART™ providers and are happy to answer any questions you may have about ART™ or other treatment techniques available at Bragg Creek Physiotherapy. You can visit the Active Release Technique website for further information on the treatment at www.activerelease.com
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